Internal baffle for suppressing slosh in a core-in-shell heat exchanger

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for suppressing slosh in a core-in-shell type heat exchanger are provided. One embodiments provides a heat exchanger including: (a) an internal volume defined within a shell; (b) a plurality of spaced apart cores disposed within the internal volume of the shell, and (c) slosh suppressing baffles disposed within the internal volume to separate the plurality of spaced apart cores, wherein each core is partially submerged in a liquid shell-side fluid, wherein the slosh suppressing baffles allow limited distribution of the liquid shell-side fluid between each core, wherein the slosh suppressing baffles can withstand cryogenic temperatures, wherein the slosh suppressing baffles can withstand and divert the flow of the liquid shell-side fluid between each core.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. Section 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Ser. No. 61 / 578,133 filed on Dec. 20, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference and is related to “Method and Apparatus for Reducing the Impact of Motion in a Core-in-Shell Heat Exchanger” filed on Dec. 18, 2012.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to a baffle for suppressing slosh in a core-in-shell type heat exchanger.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Natural gas in its native form must be concentrated before it can be transported economically. The use of natural gas has increased significantly in the recent past due to its environmentally-friendly, clean burning characteristics. Burning natural gas produces less carbon dioxide than any other fossil fuel, which is important since carbon dioxide emissions have been recognized as a significant factor in causing the greenhouse effect. Liquefied natu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a heat exchanger design with slosh suppressing baffles that separate the internal cores and allow limited distribution of fluid between them. This design can withstand cryogenic temperatures and reduces the impact of motion in the heat exchanger. The technical effect of this design is improved heat transfer efficiency and reduced impact of motion in a heat exchanger.

Problems solved by technology

One problem encountered in floating liquefaction vessels is the sloshing of vaporizing fluid inside heat exchangers.

Sloshing in a heat exchanger may result in the production of forces that can affect stability and control of the heat exchanger.

If the vaporizing fluid is allowed to slosh freely inside the shell of the heat exchanger, the moving fluid can have an adverse effect on the thermal function of the heat exchanger core.

Furthermore, the cyclical nature of motion may result in cyclical behavior in heat transfer efficiency, and hence, process conditions in the LNG liquefaction plant may be impacted.

These instabilities may result in poorer overall plant performance and may lead to narrower operating envelopes and limits to the available production capacity.

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